Antimicrobial Backlit Device

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial backlit devices and methods are provided. In one example embodiment, a device can have an antimicrobial lighting system. The antimicrobial lighting system includes a light source associated with a display device. The light source includes a plurality of lighting elements. One or more of the lighting elements of the plurality of lighting elements can be configured to emit high intensity narrow spectrum (HINS) light proximate the display device (e.g., onto or through the display device).

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/174,937, titled “Antimicrobial Backlit Device,” having afiling date of Oct. 30, 2018 which is based on and claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/578,753, titled “AntimicrobialBacklit Device,” having a filing date of Oct. 30, 2017, which isincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to backlit devices.

BACKGROUND

Light sources can be used to provide illumination for display devicessuch as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, LED display devices, OLEDdisplay devices, plasma display devices through backlighting, frontlighting and edge lighting techniques. The display devices can beimplemented within, or otherwise associated with a variety devices, suchas computer monitors, televisions, laptop computers, desktop computers,smartphones, tablets, wearable computing devices, touch panels, point ofsale devices, gaming devices, and lighting control interfaces. Often,display devices collect microbes on surfaces with which humans interact.

SUMMARY

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will beset forth in part in the following description, or may be learned fromthe description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to anelectronic device. The electronic device can include a display screen.The electronic device can further include one or more high intensitynarrow spectrum (HINS) light sources. The one or more HINS light sourcescan be configured to emit HINS light onto the display screen.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a methodfor providing HINS light onto a display screen of a display device. Themethod includes receiving, by one or more processors of a control systemfor the display device, a light activation signal. The method furtherincludes accessing, by the one or more processors, data associated witha light control profile. The method includes controlling, by the one ormore processors, operation of one or more HINS light sources of thedisplay device to dose the display screen with HINS light according tothe light control profile.

Yet another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to aHMI device. The HMI device includes a biometric sensor. The HMI devicefurther includes one or more HINS light sources configured to emit lightonto the biometric sensor.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodimentswill become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the related principles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill inthe art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to theappended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an overview of an example display device according toexample embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts an overview of an example device according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts an example device according to example embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts an example device according to example embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a method of providing antimicrobiallight according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method of providing antimicrobiallight according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a human-machine interface deviceaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a human-machine interface device accordingto example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts another side view of a human-machine interface deviceaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of components of a human-machineinterface device according to example embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts a block diagram of a control device according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 depicts a flow diagram of a method of providing HINS light ontoone or more surfaces of a human-machine interface device according toexample embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to systems andmethods of providing antimicrobial lighting in conjunction with adisplay device, such as display screens associated with a computermonitor, television, laptop, desktop, smartphone, tablet, wearablecomputing device, touch panel, point of sale device, gaming device,lighting control interface, touch sensors (e.g., biometric sensors) etc.For instance, a display device associated with an electronic device caninclude a light source having one or more lighting elements configuredto illuminate the display. According to particular aspects of thepresent disclosure, the light source can include one or more lightingelements configured to emit a high intensity narrow spectrum (HINS)light. In some embodiments, the light source can additionally includeone or more lighting elements configured to emit a visible light notwithin the HINS spectrum (e.g. white light, blue light, etc.).

The HINS light can be light having a peak wavelength in the range ofabout 380 nanometers (nm) to about 420 nm, such as 400 nm to 420 nm. Insome implementations, the HINS light can be about 405 nm. As will beunderstood by those skilled in the art, using the disclosures providedherein, the HINS light can provide antimicrobial qualities to surfacesupon which the light is emitted. In this manner, the HINS light canreduce, eliminate, suppress and/or inactivate bacterial, fungal, viral,and/or other microorganism contamination on such surfaces.

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial lighting system can furtherinclude one or more control devices (e.g., processors configured toexecute instructions, microcontrollers, logic devices, applicationspecific integrated circuits, etc.). The one or more control devices canbe configured to control operation of the light source and displayscreen in accordance with one or more predefined light control profiles.The light control profiles can specify one or more time periods duringwhich the HINS light is to be emitted by the light source and/or one ormore time periods during which the HINS light is not emitted by thelight source.

As one example embodiment, a device can include a LCD display screen.The LCD display screen can include, for instance, an LCD layer, a glasssubstrate, a light source layer, and/or other layers. The LCD layer caninclude a plurality of pixels. Each pixel can transmit light throughliquid crystals. The orientation of the liquid crystals relative to thelight source can be controlled by an electric field to provide varyingimages on the display. The light source can include one or more HINSlight sources configured to emit HINS light. For instance, the lightsource can include one or more HINS light emitting diodes (LEDs). Thelight source can be configured to periodically emit HINS light thoughthe LCD layer to provide an antimicrobial function for reducing microbeson the LCD display screen.

Example aspects of the present disclosure are discussed with referencedto an LCD screen for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those ofordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, willunderstand that example aspects of the present disclosure can be usedwith other display screens, such as LED screen, OLED screens, plasmascreens, etc.

In some implementations, the light source can be configured to providebacklighting for a display device in accordance with various suitablebacklighting techniques. In some implementations, edge-lit backlightingtechniques can be used wherein the light source including one or moreHINS lighting elements is positioned around a rim or edge of the displaydevice. Full array backlighting techniques can be used where HINSlighting elements are positioned behind the display device. Dynamiclocal dimming backlighting techniques can be used where the lightsources are controlled individually (or in clusters) to control thelevel of light and/or color intensity in a given part of the displaydevice.

In some implementations, a light source including one or more HINSlighting elements can be a separate and distinct device from the device.For instance, a light source including HINS lighting elements can beattached to an exterior portion of the device. As a particular example,in such implementations, the lighting source can be implemented as apart of casing configured to encompass at least a portion of the device.In this manner, the light source including one or more HINS lightingelements can be configured to emit HINS light onto at least a portion ofthe device when the casing is positioned around the device. In someembodiments, the casing can be removable from the device.

In some implementations, the display device can additionally include oneor more antimicrobial materials configured to reduce, eliminate, and/orinactivate bacterial, fungal, viral, and/or other microorganismcontamination on the surface of the display. In such implementations,the antimicrobial qualities of the display device can be combined withthe antimicrobial qualities of the HINS light to reduce, eliminate,suppress and/or inactivate such contamination.

A light source configured to emit light onto or through a display screenaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure can include,or can otherwise be associated with, a control system having one or morecontrol devices configured to control operation of the light source. Inparticular, the control system can control operation of the light sourcein accordance with one or more predefined light control profiles. Thelight control profile(s) can specify one or more time periods duringwhich HINS light is to be emitted by the light source and/or one or moretime periods during which the HINS light is not emitted. For instance, alight control profile can specify a first time period during which theHINS light is to be emitted, and a second time period during whichnon-HINS light is to be emitted and/or during which the HINS light isnot to be emitted. The light control profile(s) can further specify oneor more time periods during which the non-HINS light is to be emitted.

In some implementations, the time periods specified by the light controlprofile(s) can be predefined. In some implementations, the time periodscan be determined based at least in part on a state of the device. Forinstance, the time periods can be determined such that HINS light isemitted while the device is activated and/or other state (e.g., in asleep mode or reduced power state). In some implementations, the timeperiods can be determined based at least in part on an interaction of auser with the device. As an example, a light control profile can specifythat the HINS light is to be emitted during a period of inactivity ofthe device. For instance, the light control profile can specify that theHINS light should be emitted during a period of time wherein the deviceis “idle” or otherwise not in use by a user. In some implementations,the light control profile can specify that the HINS light is to beemitted while a screen saver is in use by the device. In this manner,emission of the HINS light can be triggered by the inactivity of thedevice.

In some implementations, emission of the HINS light can be triggered bythe presence of a user proximate the device. In such implementations,the antimicrobial lighting system and/or device can include one or moresensors configured to detect such presence. For instance, the one ormore sensors can include one or more motion sensors, position sensors,acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, temperature sensors, electronic eyesensors, biomedical sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, or any sensorsthat are suitable to detect whether an area is occupied by a human orother user and/or whether a user is using the device.

In some implementations, emission of the HINS light can be triggeredwhen something is placed over the display device. For instance, the HINSlight can be triggered when the display device is covered by a surface(e.g., by being placed face down on a surface and/or when a case orother cover is positioned over the display device). In this way, HINSlight can be emitted only when the display screen is not in view.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a humanmachine interface (HMI) device. The HMI device can be used to controlaccess to an area. For instance, the HMI device can be associated with adoor that is used to enter and exit a room. Alternatively, the HMIdevice can be used to control access to a device, such as an automatedteller machine (ATM).

The HMI device can include a biometric sensor configured to obtain abiometric trait (e.g., fingerprint) of a user attempting to gain accessto the area or device to which access is controlled by the HMI device.The biometric trait can be used to determine an identity of the user.The HMI device can include one or more control devices configured todetermine whether the person is authorized to access the area or devicebased, at least in part, on the biometric trait obtained via thebiometric sensor.

In some implementations, the HMI device can include a keypad. The keypadcan include a plurality of buttons. In this manner, users can manipulatethe plurality of buttons to enter a credential (e.g., passcode) neededto gain access to the area or device to which access is controlled bythe HMI device. In alternative implementations, the HMI device caninclude a touch-screen configured to display a keypad. In this manner,users can manipulate (e.g., touch) one or more buttons of the keypaddisplayed on the touch-screen to enter the credential needed to gainaccess to the device or area.

The HMI device can include one or more HINS light sources configured toemit HINS light onto a surface of the biometric sensor users must touchwhile the biometric sensor is obtaining the biometric trait. In thismanner, microbes present on the surface of the biometric sensor can beinactivated via the HINS light. In some implementations, the HMI devicecan include one or more HINS light sources configured to emit light ontothe keypad. In this manner, microbes present on the plurality of buttonsof the keypad can be inactivated via the HINS light.

In some implementations, the HMI device can include one or more non-HINSlight sources configured to emit non-HINS light onto the surface of thebiometric sensor. In this manner, the surface of the biometric sensorcan be illuminated via the non-HINS light. Additionally, the HMI devicecan include one or more non-HINS light sources configured to emitnon-HINS light onto the plurality of buttons of the keypad. In thismanner, the plurality of buttons can be illuminated via the non-HINSlight.

In some implementations, the HMI device can include one or more controldevice configured to control operation of the one or more HINS lightsources. Additionally, the one or more control devices can be configuredto control operation of the one or more non-HINS light sources. In someimplementations, the one or more control devices can activate (e.g.,turn on) the one or more HINS light sources when a user is not present.For example, the one or more control devices can be configured toactivate the one or more HINS light sources when data obtained from oneor more motion sensors of the HMI device indicates a user is notpresent.

When the data obtained from the one or more motion sensors indicate auser is present, the one or more control devices can be configured todeactivate (e.g., turn off) the one or more HINS light sources. In someimplementations, the one or more control devices can be furtherconfigured to activate (e.g. turn on) the one or more non-HINS lightsources when the data indicates a user is present. In addition, the oneor more non-HINS light sources can remain activated (e.g., turned on)until the one or more control devices determine a threshold amount oftime has lapsed since the one or more motion sensors last detectedpresence of the user. When this occurs, the one or more control devicescan be configured to activate the one or more HINS light sources suchthat a blend of HINS light and non-HINS light is emitted onto thesurface of the biometric sensor and/or the keypad for a predeterminedamount of time. Once the predetermine amount of time has lapsed, the oneor more control devices can deactivate (e.g., turn off) the one or morenon-HINS light sources.

In some implementations, emission of the HINS light can be triggeredwhen something is placed over the surface of the biometric sensor. Forinstance, the HINS light can be triggered when the surface of thebiometric sensor is covered by a surface (e.g., by being placed facedown on a surface and/or when a case or other cover is positioned overthe surface of the biometric sensor). In this way, HINS light can beemitted only when the surface of the biometric sensor is not in view.

In some implementations, emission of the HINS light can be triggeredwhen something is placed over the keypad. For instance, the HINS lightcan be triggered when the keypad is covered by a surface (e.g., when acase or other cover is positioned over the plurality of buttons). Inthis way, HINS light can be emitted only when the keypad is not in view.

As used herein, HINS light refers to light having a peak wavelength inthe range of about 380 nanometers (nm) to about 420 nm, such as about400 nm to about 420 nm, such as about 405 nm. Non-HINS light refers tolight in the visible spectrum, but not in the HINS range of about 380 nmto about 405 nm. As used herein, the use of the term “about” inconjunction with a numerical value refers to within 2.5% of the statednumerical value.

With reference now to the figures, example aspects of the presentdisclosure will be discussed in greater detail. For instance, FIG. 1depicts an overview of an example display device 112 according toexample embodiments of the present disclosure. The display device 112can be, for instance, an LCD display device. Display device 112 includesa light source 114. Light source 114 can include one or more lightingelements. For instance, light source 114 can include one or more HINSlighting elements (e.g., HINS LEDs) and one or more non-HINS lightingelements (e.g., non-HINS LEDs). The one or more lighting elements can beconfigured to provide backlighting for the display device 112 inaccordance with one or more suitable backlighting techniques. Displaydevice 116 further includes polarizing layers 116 and 122. Polarizinglayers 116 and 122 can be oriented perpendicularly with respect to eachother. For instance, polarizing layer 116 can be oriented along avertical axis and polarizing layer 122 can be oriented along ahorizontal axis. As will be understood by those skilled in the art,polarizing layers 116 and 122 can be configured to permit light of aspecific polarization to pass, and to block light of otherpolarizations.

Display device 112 further includes a liquid crystal layer 118. Theliquid crystal layer 118 can include a plurality of liquid crystals(e.g., nematic liquid crystals), each positioned between two electrodes.A voltage can be applied to the electrodes to align the liquid crystalsin different directions. In this manner, the liquid crystals can beconfigured based at least in part on the orientations of the polarizinglayers 116 and 122. Display device 112 further includes a color filterlayer 120. Color filter 120 can include a plurality of red, blue, andgreen filters configured to pass wavelengths of light associated withthe respective filter colors. Each color filter can be positioned infront of a liquid crystal element.

Light (e.g., HINS light and/or non-HINS light) emitted by light source114 can pass through polarizing layer 116, thereby polarizing theemitted light in the direction of the polarizing layer 116. Thepolarized light can then pass through the liquid crystal layer 118. Whena suitable voltage is applied to the electrodes associated with a liquidcrystal in the liquid crystal layer 118, the liquid crystal can“untwist” causing light to pass through the liquid crystal unchanged(e.g., to remain vibrating in the direction of the polarizing layer116). The light can then be filtered by the color filter of the colorfilter layer 120 positioned in front of the liquid crystal, such thatonly light having a suitable wavelength passes through the color filter.The light can then travel to polarizing layer 122. Because no light isvibrating in the direction of the polarizing layer 122 (because theliquid crystals were untwisted and the light passed through the liquidcrystal layer 118 unchanged), no light passes through the polarizinglayer 122.

When no voltage is applied to the electrodes associated with a liquidcrystal in the liquid crystal layer 118, the liquid crystal “twists,”causing light passing through the liquid crystal to rotate, forinstance, 90 degrees. The rotated light then passes through the colorfilter 120, and on to the polarizing layer 122. Because the rotatedlight is vibrating in the direction of the polarizing filter 122, it isable to pass through the polarizing filter 122. In this manner, lightdisplayed by the display device 112 can be controlled by applyingsuitable voltages to each liquid crystal (e.g., to the electrodesassociated with the respective liquid crystals) in order to modulate thedirection of the light passing through the respective liquid crystals toproduce a suitable display configuration. The applied voltages can becontrolled, for instance, by one or more switching devices, such as oneor more thin film transistors associated with the electrodes. When HINSlight is emitted by the light source 114 in accordance with exampleaspects of the present disclosure, the HINS light can remove, reduce,suppress, and/or inactivate microorganisms on an outer surface of thedisplay device 112.

It will be appreciated that the display device 112 is intended forexample purposes only. In this manner, it will be appreciated thatvarious other suitable display devices can be used without deviatingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, display devicescan be used having one or more additional or different components, suchas one or more glass layers, one or more additional polarizing layers,one or more insulation layers and/or other suitable components.

FIG. 2 depicts an overview of an example device 100 according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure. Device 100 can be, can beimplemented within, or can otherwise be associated with a television,monitor, laptop computing device, desktop computing device, wearablecomputing device, touch panel, kiosk, gaming device, point of saledevice, and/or other suitable device. In some implementations, thedevice can be or can include an I/O device, such as a keyboard, mouse,touch pad, track-wheel, track-pad, stylus, biometric scanner, or othersuitable I/O device.

Device 100 can include a display device 106 and a backlight system 102.Display device 106 can be an LCD display device, or other suitabledisplay device. In some implementations, display device 106 cancorrespond to display device 112 of FIG. 1. Display device 106 can be atouch-enabled display device configured to receive inputs from a userthrough contact with a touch panel of the display device 106 by the useror other suitable input mechanism (e.g., stylus, finger, etc.).Backlight system 102 includes an LED array 104. LED array 104 caninclude a plurality of LEDs arranged in various suitable manners withrespect to the display device 106, for instance, to provide backlightingfor the display device 106. In particular, LED array 104 can include oneor more HINS LEDs 105 configured to emit HINS light and one or morenon-HINS LEDs 107 configured to emit non-HINS light. The HINS LEDs 105can be configured to emit HINS light or can include one or morecoatings, lenses, materials, etc. that transform light emitted by theLED devices into HINS light. The non-HINS LEDs 107 can be white LEDsand/or RGB LEDs, and/or other LEDs configured to emit non-HINS light. Inalternative implementations, other suitable lighting elements (e.g.,cold cathode fluorescent lamps, hot cathode fluorescent lamps,electroluminescent lighting elements, external electrode fluorescentlamps, etc.) can be used.

As indicated, the LEDs of LED array 104 can be arranged to illuminate atleast a portion of the display device 106. For instance, the HINS LEDs105 and the non-HINS LEDs 107 can be arranged to provide backlight tothe display device 106 using various suitable backlighting techniques(e.g., edge-lit, bottom-lit, full array, local dimming, etc.). In thismanner, the LEDs can be arranged with respect to the display device 106such that the LEDs can emit light proximate the display device 106 inaccordance with such backlighting techniques. In some implementations,the LEDs can be positioned such that the LEDs can emit light proximatethe display device 106 to illuminate one or more different portions ofthe display device 106.

Backlight system 102 can be any suitable backlight system. In thismanner, it will be appreciated that backlight system 102 can includevarious suitable components to facilitate a provision of light to thedisplay device 106. For instance, the backlight system 102 can includevarious diffuser plates, optical sheets, mixing optics, etc.

Backlight system 102 can further include a control system 108. Controlsystem 108 can include one or more control devices. Control system 108can be configured to control operation of the lighting array. As shown,control system 108 can include one or more processors 128 and one ormore memory devices 130. The one or more processors 128 can include anysuitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller,integrated circuit, logic device, application specific integratedcircuit, or other suitable processing device. The one or more memorydevices 130 can include one or more computer-readable media, including,but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM,hard drives, flash drives, or other memory devices. The one or morememory devices 130 can store information accessible by the one or moreprocessors 128, including computer-readable instructions that can beexecuted by the one or more processors 128. The instructions can be anyset of instructions that when executed by the one or more processors128, cause the one or more processors 128 to perform operations, such asoperations to implement the systems and methods described herein. Theone or more memory devices 130 can also store data 132 that can beretrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processors128. The data 132 can include, for instance, light control profile data,and other data.

In some embodiments, control system 108 can be configured to controloperation of one or more driver circuits 110 associated with backlightsystem 102. The one or more driver circuits can be any suitable circuitconfigured to provide a suitable current to power and/or illuminate theLEDs of LED array 104. In some implementations, each driver circuit 110can be configured to drive an individual LED. In some implementations,at least one driver circuit can be configured to drive multiple LEDs.The control system 108 can be configured to control operation of drivercircuits 110 such that the driver circuits 110 supply suitable currentsto the LED array 104. In particular, the driver circuits 110 can beconfigured to receive an input power, such as an input AC power or aninput DC power, and to convert the input power to a suitable outputcurrent for powering the LED array 104. The input power can be provided,for instance, by a power supply (not shown) (e.g., a battery) associatedwith the display device 106 and/or the backlight system 102. Forinstance, such power supply can be configured to provide suitable powerto various components of the backlight system 102 and/or the displaydevice 106. Driver circuits 110 can include various suitable drivercircuits and can include various components, such as switching elements(e.g. transistors) that are controlled to provide a suitable outputcurrent. For instance, in one embodiment, driver circuit 110 can includeone or more transistors. Gate timing commands can be provided to the oneor more transistors to convert the input power to a suitable outputusing pulse width modulation techniques, or other suitable techniques.

In particular, the control system 108 can be configured to control thedriver circuits 110 based at least in part on a predefined light controlprofile. The light control profile can specify one or more time periodsduring which the HINS light is to be emitted and/or one or more timeperiods during which the non-HINS light is to be emitted. In thismanner, during the one or more time periods during which HINS light isto be emitted, control system 108 can control operation of one or moredriver circuits 110 associated with the HINS LEDs 105 to cause suchdriver circuits 110 to provide a suitable output current to the HINSLEDs 105 to cause the HINS LEDs 105 to emit HINS light. Similarly,during the one or more time periods during which non-HINS light is to beemitted, control system 108 can control operation of one or more drivercircuits 110 associated with the non-HINS LEDs 107 to cause such drivercircuits 110 to provide a suitable output current to the non-HINS LEDs107 to cause such non-HINS LEDs 107 to emit non-HINS light. In someimplementations, the control system 108 may control one or more drivercircuits such that one or more HINS LEDs 105 and one or more non-HINSLEDs 107 emit light simultaneously based at least in part on the lightcontrol profile.

As indicated above, the light control profile can specify a timingscheme for emission of HINS light and/or non-HINS light. In someimplementations, the timing scheme can be predefined, such that HINSlight and/or non-HINS light are emitted during one or more predefinedtime periods and/or time intervals. For instance, the one or morepredefined time periods can be defined relative to an activation of thedisplay device 106, backlight system 102 and/or the device. In someimplementations, the timing scheme can be determined responsive to oneor more signals or indications associated with the display device 106.The one or more signals or indications can be associated with a state ofthe display device 106. For instance, an idle state or a state ofinactivity of the display device 106 can be detected, and HINS light canbe emitted in response to such detection. In some implementations, theidle state can be detected based on a lack of user interaction with thedisplay device 106 for some period of time. In some implementations, theidle state can be detected based on an absence of a user proximate thedisplay device 106 (e.g., as detected by one or more motion sensors orother sensors associated with the display device 106). In someimplementations, an activation of a screen saver by the display device106 can trigger the emission of HINS light in accordance with the lightcontrol profile. In this manner, the HINS light can be emitted during atleast a subset of the duration of the screen saver activation.

In some implementations, the device can be a separate and distinctcomponent from the backlight system 102. In such implementations, thebacklight system 102 may be associated with an additional device. As anexample, the backlight system 102 can be implemented within a computermonitor and can be configured to provide backlighting for a displaydevice 106 implemented within the computer monitor. The device can be anI/O device (e.g. keyboard, mouse, etc.) located proximate the computermonitor. In this manner, the light provided by such backlight system 102can be directed toward the external device via the display device 106associated with the backlight system 102.

FIG. 3 depicts an example device 200 according to example embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Device 200 includes a display device 202configured to provide for display a user interface 204 associated with,for instance, a lighting control system. Display device 202 can be anysuitable display device, such as an LCD device. In some implementations,display device 202 can be a touch device capable of receiving inputsfrom a user via contact of the display device 202 by an input devicesuch as a user's hand, a stylus, etc. In this manner, the user caninteract with the user interface 204 through one or more touch gesturesperformed on the display device 202. The user interface 204 can be anysuitable user interface. For instance, the user interface 204 can beassociated with a control application configured to control variousaspects of one or more “smart home” appliances, such as a smart lightingsystem, a smart fan system, a smart alarm system, a smart airconditioning system, etc.

Device 200 can be associated with a backlight system 206 according toexample aspects of the present disclosure. Backlight system 206 can beimplemented within device 200. Backlight system 206 can be any suitablelighting system configured to provide a suitable backlight to displaydevice 202. For instance, backlight system 206 can correspond tobacklight system 102 of FIG. 2. In this manner, backlight system 206 caninclude a lighting array having a plurality of lighting elements (e.g.,white LEDs and/or RGB LEDs) arranged in various suitable manners withrespect to the device 200 to facilitate various suitable backlightingtechniques. Backlight system 206 can further include one or morelighting elements configured to emit HINS light, and one or morelighting elements configured to emit non-HINS light.

FIG. 4 depicts an example device 210 according to example aspects of thepresent disclosure. The device 210 can be any suitable device, such as asmartphone. The device 210 can include a display device 212 configuredto provide for display a user interface 214. The user interface 214 cancorrespond to the user interface 204 of FIG. 3, or other suitable userinterface. The device 210 can further be associated with an externallighting system 216. The lighting system 216 can include a suitablelighting array 218. The lighting array 218 can correspond to the LEDarray 104 of FIG. 2 or other suitable lighting array. The lightingsystem 216 can be a separate and distinct component from the device 210.For instance, in some implementations, the lighting system 216 can beimplemented within a casing configured to attach to or otherwiseencompass at least a portion of the device 210.

The lighting array 218 can be configured to emit light 220 proximate thedisplay device 212. In particular, the lighting array 218 can beconfigured to emit the light 220 in accordance with a light controlprofile according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Forinstance, the lighting array 218 can be configured to emit HINS lightduring one or more time periods, and non-HINS light during one or moretime periods based at least in part on the light control profile. Inthis manner, the light 220 can be emitted in a direction of the displaydevice 212.

The device 210 can include a power supply configured to provide power tovarious components of the device 210. For instance, the power supply canprovide power to the display device 212. In some implementations, thelighting system 216 can be powered by the power supply of the device210, or other suitable power supply.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method (300) of providingantimicrobial lighting to a surface according to example embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Method (300) can be implemented by one or moredevices, such as one or more of the devices depicted in FIG. 2. Inaddition, FIG. 4 depicts steps performed in a particular order forpurposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in theart, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that thesteps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged,expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating fromthe scope of the present disclosure.

At (302), method (300) includes receiving a light activation signalassociated with a device. As indicated above, the device can be a usercomputing device, television, monitor, display device, I/O device, orother suitable device. In some implementations, the device can be anysuitable device having one or more surfaces that may come into contactwith a user. The light activation signal associated with the device canbe associated with a presence of a user proximate the device, anactivation of the device, an activation of a display device associatedwith the device, and/or a usage of the device by a user. For instance,in some implementations, the light activation signal can be associatedwith a detection of a presence of a user or other entity proximate thedevice by one or more sensors (e.g., motion sensors, etc.) associatedwith the device. In some implementations, the light activation signalcan be associated with an activation of the device by the user (e.g.,causing the interface to power on or “awake” from a sleep or idle mode,etc.). The activation of the device can be initiated, for instance, inresponse to an interaction with the device by a user.

At (304), method (300) can include accessing data associated with alight control profile. In some implementations, the data associated withthe light control profile can be stored in one or more memory devicesassociated with the device and/or a lighting system associated with thedevice. As indicated, the light control profile can specify one or moretime periods or time intervals during which HINS light is to be emittedand/or one or more time periods or intervals during which non-HINS lightis to be emitted. For instance, the one or more time periods may bepredetermined time periods (e.g., relative to reception of the lightactivation signal), or may be determined in real time, for instance,based at least in part on one or more states of the device. In someimplementations, the light control profile may specify one or moretrigger events, responsive to which HINS light and/or non-HINS light isto be emitted. The one or more trigger events can be associated with astate of the device. For instance, a trigger event can be associatedwith a level of activity of the device. As an example, a trigger eventcan occur when the device has been inactive for a predetermined amountof time. As another example, a trigger event can occur when a screensaver is activated by the device. As yet another example, a triggerevent can occur when no user is detected proximate the device for someamount of time.

In some implementations, a trigger event can be associated with adetection of microbes on a surface of the device (e.g. display panel) byone or more sensors configured to detect microbes within an area. Suchsensors can include, for instance, one or more microbe concentratingdevices and/or one or more biosensors. For instance, the one or moresensors can provide an indication that a number of microbes greater thana threshold have been detected on the device surface. Such indicationcan be used as a trigger event to trigger the emission of HINS light toreduce or eliminate the detected microbes.

In some implementations, the light control can include trigger eventsand time periods or intervals during which HINS light is to be emitted.For instance, the light control profile can specify that HINS light isto be emitted for some time period or interval subsequent to thedetection of a trigger event. In this manner, the timing of the HINSlight emission can be determined in real time.

At (306), method (300) can include controlling operation of one or morelighting elements associated with the lighting system to emit non-HINSlight in accordance with the light control profile. The lightingelements can include one or more white LEDs, one or more RGB LEDs, orother lighting elements. As indicated, the non-HINS light can be lighthaving a wavelength within the visible spectrum, but not within thehigh-intensity narrow spectrum. Operation of the one or more lightingelements can be controlled by controlling one or more driver circuitsassociated with the one or more lighting elements to provide a suitablecurrent to the one or more lighting elements. The one or more firstlighting elements and the current can be determined to achieve asuitable color and/or intensity of light.

At (308), method (300) can include controlling operation of one or morelighting elements to emit HINS light in accordance with the lightcontrol profile. The operation of the one or more lighting elements canbe controlled by controlling one or more driver circuits associated withthe one or more lighting elements to provide a suitable current to theone or more second lighting elements. The one or more lighting elementsand/or the current can be determined to achieve a suitable color and/orintensity of light.

In some implementations, the HINS light and the non-HINS light can beemitted simultaneously. For instance, the HINS light can be combinedwith the non-HINS light to create visible white light. In this manner,operation of at least a subset of the one or more lighting elementsconfigured to emit non-HINS light and at least a subset of the one ormore lighting elements configured to emit HINS light can be controlledto emit light simultaneously. In some implementations, at least onelighting element can be configured to emit both HINS light and non-HINSlight.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of an example method (400) of providingantimicrobial lighting to a surface according to example embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Method (400) can be implemented by one or morecomputing devices, such as one or more of the computing devices depictedin FIG. 2.

At (402), method (400) can include receiving an indication of anactivation of a device. The activation of the device can be some actionthat causes a lighting system associated with a display deviceassociated with the device to turn on.

At (404), method (400) can include controlling operation of one or morelighting elements associated with the lighting system to emit non-HINSlight proximate the device (e.g. a display panel or other suitablesurface associated with the device). For instance, the one or morelighting elements can be configured to emit any suitable color and/orintensity of light.

At (406), method (400) can include determining whether the device is inan idle state. For instance, determining whether the device is in anidle state can include determining whether a user is present proximatethe device. If a user has not been present proximate the device for athreshold amount of time, it can be determined that the device is in anidle state. As another example, determining whether the device is in anidle state can include determining whether a screen saver has beenactivated by the device. If a screen saver is active on the device, itcan be determined that the device is in an idle state. As yet anotherexample, determining whether the device is in an idle state can includedetermining whether a user is currently using the device. For instance,if a user has not interacted with the device for some threshold amountof time, it can be determined that the device is in an idle state.

If the device is not in an idle state, method (400) can includereturning to (404). If the device is in an idle state, method (400) caninclude controlling operation of one or more lighting elementsassociated with the lighting system to emit HINS light proximate thedevice. For instance, operation of the one or more lighting elements canbe controlled to emit HINS light for some period of time. As anotherexample, operation of the one or more lighting elements can becontrolled to emit HINS light until the device is no longer in the idlestate (e.g., based on the presence of a user, an interaction of a userwith the device, a cessation of the screen saver, etc.).

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, an example human machine interface (HMI)device 500 is provided according to example embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some implementations, the HMI device 500 can be used tocontrol access to an area. For example, the HMI device 500 can beassociated with a door that is used to enter and exit a room.Alternatively, the HMI device can be used to control access to a device,such as an automated teller machine (ATM). It should be appreciated,however, that the HMI device 500 can be used for any suitable purpose.

In some implementations, the HMI device 500 can include a keypad 510. Ahousing 502 of the HMI device 500 can be configured to accommodate thekeypad 510. The keypad 510 can include a plurality of buttons. In thismanner, the plurality of buttons can be manipulated (e.g., pressed) by auser to enter a credential (e.g., passcode) needed to access to an areaor device to which access is controlled by the HMI device 500.

In some implementations, the HMI device 500 can include a touch-screeninstead of the keypad. The touch-screen can be configured to display akeypad having a plurality of buttons. In such implementations, a usercan manipulate (e.g., touch) one or more buttons of the keypad to enterthe credential needed to access the area or device.

As shown, the HMI device 500 can include a biometric sensor 520. Thehousing 502 of the HMI device 500 can be configured to accommodate thebiometric sensor 520. In some implementations, the biometric sensor 520can be configured to convert a biometric trait (e.g., fingerprint) of auser into an electrical signal. As will be discussed below in moredetail, the electrical signal can be processed by one or more controldevices 550 of the HMI device 500 to determine an identity of the userattempting to access an area or device to which access is controlled bythe HMI device 500.

The HMI device 500 can include one or more HINS light sources 530disposed within the housing 502. The one or more HINS light sources 530can be configured to emit HINS light onto the biometric sensor 520. Moreparticularly, the HINS light can be emitted onto a surface 522 of thebiometric sensor 520 that users must contact (e.g., touch) in order forthe biometric sensor 530 to convert the biometric trait into anelectrical signal. In this manner, the HIMS light can inactivatemicrobes present on the surface 522 of the biometric sensor 520. In someimplementations, the HMI device 500 can further include one or more HINSlight sources 532 configured to emit HINS light onto the keypad 510. Inthis manner, the HINS light can inactivate microbes present on each ofthe plurality of buttons of the keypad 510.

In some implementations, the HMI device 500 include one or more non-HINSlight sources 534 disposed within the housing 502. The one or morenon-HINS light sources 534 can be configured to emit non-HINS light ontothe biometric sensor 520. More particularly, the non-HINS light can beemitted onto the surface 522 of the biometric sensor 520. In thismanner, the surface 522 of the biometric sensor 520 can be illuminatedwith the non-HINS light. In some implementations, the housing 502 of theHMI device 500 can further accommodate one or more non-HINS lightsources 536. The non-HINS light sources 536 can be configured to emitnon-HINS light onto the keypad 510. In this manner, each of theplurality of buttons of the keypad 510 can be illuminated with thenon-HINS light.

In some implementations, the HMI device 500 can include one or moremotion sensors 540 configured to detect presence of a user. It should beappreciated that the one or more motion sensors 540 can include anysuitable type of motion sensor. For instance, in some implementations,the one or more motion sensors 540 can include infrared (IR) sensors.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a block diagram of suitable components of thecontrol device(s) 550 of the HMI device 500 (FIGS. 7-10) are providedaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown,the control device(s) 550 can include one or more processors 552configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions (e.g.,performing the methods, steps, calculations and the like disclosedherein). As used herein, the term “processor” refers not only tointegrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in acomputer, but also refers to a controller, microcontroller, amicrocomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA), and other programmable circuits.

As shown, the control device(s) 550 can include a memory device 554.Examples of the memory device 554 can include computer-readable mediaincluding, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media,such as RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, or other suitable memorydevices. The memory device 554 can store information accessible by theprocessor(s) 552, including computer-readable instructions 556 that canbe executed by the processor(s) 552. The computer-readable instructions556 can be any set of instructions that, when executed by theprocessor(s) 552, cause the processor(s) 552 to perform operations. Thecomputer-readable instructions 556 can be software written in anysuitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. In someimplementations, the computer-readable instructions 552 can be executedby the processor(s) 552 to perform operations, such as controllingoperation of the one or more HINS light sources 530, 532 and the one ormore non-HINS light sources 534, 536.

In some implementations, the memory device 554 can store data 558associated with controlling operation of the one or more HINS lightsources 530, 532. Additionally, the data 558 can be associated withcontrolling operation of the one or more non-HINS light sources 534,536. For instance, the data 558 can include one or more lighting controlprofiles. The one or more lighting control profiles can specify themanner in which the one or more HINS light sources 530, 532 and the oneor more non-HINS light sources 534, 536 are to be operated.

In some implementations, the HMI device 500 can include a communicationcircuit 560. The communication circuit 560 can include associatedelectronic circuitry that can be used to communicatively couple thecontrol device(s) 560 with other devices, such as control device(s) 550associated with a user device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.).In some implementations, the communication circuit 560 can allow thecontrol device(s) 550 to communicate directly with the other devices. Inother implementations, the communication circuit 560 can provide forcommunication with the other devices over a network.

The network can be any suitable type of network, such as aPower-Over-Ethernet (POE) network, a local area network (e.g.,intranet), a wide area network (e.g., internet), a low power wirelessnetwork (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, etc.), or somecombination thereof and can include any number of wired or wirelesslinks. In general, communication over the network can be implemented viaany type of wired or wireless connection, using a wide variety ofcommunication protocols, encodings or formats, and/or protectionschemes.

Example communication technologies used in accordance with exampleaspects of the present disclosure can include, for instance, Bluetoothlow energy, Bluetooth mesh networking, near-field communication, Thread,TLS (Transport Layer Security), Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE, 802.11), Wi-Fi Direct(for peer-to-peer communication), Z-Wave, Zigbee, Halow, cellularcommunication, LTE, low-power wide area networking, VSAT, Ethernet, MoCA(Multimedia over Coax Alliance), PLC (Power-line communication), DLT(digital line transmission), Power over Ethernet, etc. Other suitablewired and/or wireless communication technologies can be used withoutdeviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a flow diagram of a method 600 for providingantimicrobial lighting to a HMI device 500 according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that themethod 600 can be implemented using the dimmer switch discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 7-11. FIG. 12 depicts steps performed in aparticular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those ofordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, willunderstand that various steps of the method 600 may be adapted,modified, rearranged, performed simultaneously or modified in variousways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

At (602), the method 600 includes obtaining, by one or more controldevices of the HMI device, data indicative of whether a user is touchinga surface of the biometric sensor users must contact in order for thebiometric sensor to obtain the biometric trait (e.g., finger print) ofthe users. In example embodiments, the one or more control devices candetermine whether the user is touching the surface of the biometricsensor based, at least in part, on whether the one or more controldevices are receiving one or more electrical signals from the biometricsensor. If the one or more control devices are receiving one or moreelectrical signals indicative of a biometric trait, the method 600remains at (602). Otherwise, the method 600 continues to (604).

At (604), the method 600 includes determining, by the one or morecontrol devices, whether a predetermine amount of time has lapsed sincethe user was last detected touching the surface of the biometric sensor.If the one or more control devices determine the predetermined amount oftime has lapsed, the method 600 proceeds to (606). Otherwise, the method600 remains at (604) or reverts to (602) if the one or more controldevices obtain data indicative of a user touching the surface of thebiometric sensor.

At (606), the method 600 includes controlling, by the one or morecontrol devices, operation of the one or more HINS light sources toilluminate the surface of the biometric sensor with HINS light. In someimplementations, the method 600 can further include controlling, by theone or more control devices, operation of the one or more non-HINS lightsources to illuminate the surface of the biometric sensor with non-HINSlight. In this manner, the surface of the biometric sensor can beilluminated with a blend of HINS light and non-HINS light. In exampleembodiments, the one or more control devices can illuminate the surfaceof the biometric sensor with the blend of HINS light and non-HINS lightfor a predetermined amount. Furthermore, the one or more control devicescan be configured to deactivate the one or more non-HINS light sourcesafter the predetermined amount of time has lapsed. In this manner, onlythe one or more HINS light sources can continue to illuminate thesurface of the biometric sensor.

At (608), the method 600 can continue. In some implementations, the oneor more HINS light sources can continue to illuminate the surface of thebiometric sensor until the one or more control devices obtain dataindicative of a user touching the surface of the biometric sensor.Alternatively, the one or more control devices can continue toilluminate the surface of the biometric sensor with HINS light until oneor more sensors configured to detect a level microbes present on thesurface indicate the amount of microbes present on the surface is lessthan a threshold value.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific example embodiments thereof, it will be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, andequivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the presentdisclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, andthe subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of suchmodifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matteras would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is: 1-20. (canceled)
 21. An electronic device,comprising: a display device; and a backlight system configured toprovide backlight for the display device, the backlight system includingone or more high intensity narrow spectrum (HINS) light sourcesconfigured to emit HINS light, the backlight system further comprisingone or more non-HINS light sources configured to emit non-HINS light;and one or more control devices configured to control an operationalstate of said backlight system, wherein controlling the operationalstate of said backlight system includes controlling an aspect of lightdelivered by the HINS light sources and controlling an aspect of lightdelivered by the non-HINS light sources.
 22. The electronic deviceclaimed in claim 21, wherein said one or more control devices controlthe operational state of said backlight system based at least in part ona predefined timing schedule.
 23. The electronic device claimed in claim21, further comprising one or more sensors configured to detect microbeswithin an area.
 24. The electronic device claimed in claim 23, whereinsaid one or more control devices control the operational state of saidbacklight system based at least in part on a trigger event determined byan output of said one or more sensors.
 25. The electronic device claimedin claim 24, wherein said trigger event includes a detection ofmicrobes.
 26. The electronic device claimed in claim 25, wherein saidtrigger event includes a detection of an amount or concentration ofmicrobes that exceeds a predefined threshold.
 27. The electronic deviceclaimed in claim 21, wherein the one or more control devices areconfigured to obtain data from one or more motion sensors.
 28. Theelectronic device of claim 27, wherein when the data obtained from theone or more motion sensors indicates presence of a user, the one or morecontrol devices are configured to control operation of the one or moreHINS light sources and the one or more non-HINS light sources such thatthe backlight comprises a blend of the HINS light and the non-HINSlight.
 29. A human-machine interface (HMI) device, comprising: abiometric sensor configured to detect a biometric trait of a person; andone or more high intensity narrow spectrum (HINS) light sourcesconfigured to emit HINS light onto a surface of the biometric sensor.30. The HMI device of claim 29, wherein the biometric trait includes afingerprint.
 31. The HMI device of claim 29, further comprising one ormore control devices configured to: obtain data indicative of whether auser is touching the surface of the biometric sensor; and controloperation of the one or more HINS light sources to emit HINS light ontothe surface of the biometric sensor when the data indicates the user hasnot touched the surface of the biometric sensor for a threshold amountof time.
 32. The HMI device of claim 31, further comprising one or morenon-HINS light sources configured to emit non-HINS light onto thesurface of the biometric sensor.
 33. The HIM device of claim 32, whereinwhen the data indicates the user has not touched the surface of thebiometric sensor for the threshold amount of time, the one or morecontrol devices are further configured to: control operation of the oneor more HINS light sources and the one or more non-HINS light sources toemit a blend of HINS light and non-HINS light onto the surface of thebiometric sensor for a predetermined amount of time.
 34. The HMI deviceof claim 29, further comprising: a keypad comprising a plurality ofpress-buttons; and one or more HINS light sources configured to emitHINS light onto the plurality of press-buttons.